The production of hydrogen gas from water through electrolysis requires a supply of very clean water to eliminate contamination in the electrolytic cell. One such source of water is desalinated seawater. When renewable energy is used for the production of desalinated water and for electrolysis, the hydrogen produced is called Green Hydrogen due to the fact that the process is environmentally friendly and has zero emission of carbon dioxide.
If the hydrogen is then converted to ammonia, the product becomes Green Ammonia.
The University of Namibia (UNAM) has formed a thematic group on Seawater Desalination to support the efforts of the Government of Namibia in establishing a sustainable Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia economy in the country. Since seawater is needed for this project, the coastal towns of Namibia have been identified as suitable sites for desalination and production of hydrogen and ammonia. Three renewable energy sources will be considered as the prime energy in the desalination process, namely: Solar Energy, Wind Energy,
Ocean Wave Energy and/or a combination of these energy sources.
This Team has put forward the following operational plan and budget:
Carry out Desktop Study of appropriate desalination technologies in collaboration with international players in this field and identify suitable ones for Namibia.
Conduct research on value addition of the effluent from desalination, e.g. recovery of brine and other useful products at the UNAM Pilot Desalination Plant in Henties Bay and then purchase a customized Recovery Pilot Plant. Time frame of nine months from the time funds are available.
Carry out feasibility study, including EIA, and purchase a desalination pilot plant that will operate on Ocean Wave Energy. This will be done in collaboration with Impact Free Water of South Africa. Time frame of 12 months from the time funds are available.
Carry out feasibility study, including EIA, and purchase a desalination pilot plant to be installed at Lüderitz that will operate on Wind Energy. Time frame of 15 months from the time funds are available.
